An increasing number of service providers are recognizing that the longevity lifestyle is now a genuine demand in Hungary as well. We sat down with Alfred Hackl, the CEO of Le Primore Hotel & Spa, to talk about longevity, slow luxury, and how this new hotel invites you to live – and feel – differently.
How is the philosophy of longevity and health-conscious living reflected in the concept of Le Primore Hotel & Spa?
„Longevity” is a word people love to use, but few truly understand. Much like „wellness” decades ago, it risks becoming a buzzword. But for us, longevity is simple: a long, healthy and active life. And that begins with the environment. You can’t compare living on the 10th floor of a city block to waking up or near Lake Hévíz, which is unique even in European terms with birdsong and greenery. We created Le Primore in a place where your eyes can rest, where the surroundings support your soul.”
The hotel was built on the site of a former illegal construction waste dump, right next to a protected nature reserve. Clearing away 45,000 cubic meters of debris was both a physical and symbolic foundation for a place designed to heal – people and land alike.
From there, everything else follows: the facility offers guests front-row access to the healing power of nature – where birdsong replaces traffic and deer may wander by at dawn. The interiors reflect the same philosophy: no artificial greenery, just living plants and natural materials. The proximity to nature, the elegant architecture, and the high-quality cuisine are only half the story – the true soul of Le Primore lies in its people. Every guest is welcomed like family, whether arriving alone or with loved ones. This human warmth, this sense of “your nest” is as essential to regeneration as the fresh air and organic food.
Le Primore Hotel & Spa
How does the hotel redefine premium spa tourism in the region?
“What we are building here in Le Primore is something unique.” His vision goes far beyond architecture and design. In a European wellness landscape that often prioritizes quantity, Le Primore is boldly choosing quality. From fine dining to wellness-, health- and beauty treatments, every aspect of the guest experience is carefully curated.
La Vie, the rooftop gourmet restaurant, exemplifies this ethos. With monthly rotating guest chefs from across Europe – from Spain and Iceland to Israel and Hungary – gastronomy becomes performance art.
Guests experience evolving menus crafted in open kitchen stations as well, blending high-end culinary artistry with Hungarian authenticity.
But their dedication to excellence doesn’t stop at food. The spa exclusively features products typically reserved for the world’s top-tier hotels.
La Vie gourmet restaurant
Even so, innovation doesn’t mean abandoning heritage. The CEO insists on incorporating the best elements of the traditional Hévíz “kúra”, reimagining it for the modern luxury traveler. By merging time-honored healing rituals with future-forward hospitality, Le Primore aims to offer an experience that feels both rooted and revolutionary.
With these pillars in place, Hackl is confident: “Once we reach our high internal standards by autumn, we’ll expand into tailored programs: for the burned out, the active, and those seeking preventative regeneration. But first, we need to strengthen the quality and consistency of our service. We are already very good by Hungarian standards, but to meet international expectations, we must go further. Our vision is to welcome guests from around the globe – from Hungary and neighboring countries to long-haul destinations like China and the US – offering a truly outstanding experience. Our goal is clear: we want to become Central Europe’s number one destination spa within two years. And we will.”
Le Primore Hotel & Spa
How does this vision support the physical and mental well-being of your guests?
“Our vision and core values are built around the idea of offering possibilities without pressure. Some guests arrive ready to immerse themselves in everything – from spa rituals to sunrise yoga. Others come simply to rest. Both are equally valid paths to regeneration. “
“True luxury is creating space for the body and soul to reconnect. If people learn to listen to their body, it’s transformative.This is the deepest support we can offer: helping guests slow down enough to hear the voice of their own body.”
Therefore in a world of overstimulation and endless schedules, Le Primore invites every generation to reconnect – with nature, with movement, and with themselves. Whether it’s a mother unwinding in yoga while her children explore the adventure park, or a father cycling through Balaton’s serene landscapes, the experience is curated for all ages. As Hackl puts it: „What people truly want is a long, healthy and active life. That’s it. We can’t force anyone, but we can reach out our hands and say: come with us, join us. Then the process begins.”
Le Primore Hotel & Spa
The experience of inner renewal continues inside Le Primore’s spa, where treatments are not only restorative, but deeply human. “People need to be touched,” says Hackl. “A massage is not just a treatment – it’s a transfer of energy.” Among all services, he highlights the power of therapies, crafted with natural materials like Hévíz mud and guided by expert hands. „They understand the importance of creating impact through touch and expertise. These touches, this energy exchange – that’s the real key to inner renewal.”
„Our team serves with a sense of inspiration and understanding.” Hackl says. „Whether it’s the therapist tailoring a treatment for dry skin, or the chef explaining the story behind an organic ingredient, these small moments accumulate.” For him, excellence lies in the details, and well-being is something that flows through conversation as much as care.
„Our guests become our ambassadors, too – because when they leave with a good experience, they carry our story forward.”
What kind of guest is Le Primore designed for?
„There is no „ideal” guest, only individuals who appreciate quality and personalized attention. As Mr. Hilton once famously said – when asked about the three most important qualities of a hotel – ‘location, location, location.’ But today, the mantra has shifted: quality, quality, quality. And tomorrow? The future belongs to individual service, tailored care, and meaningful connection. That’s where hospitality is headed.”
Le Primore Hotel & Spa
How do you see the future of Hungarian tourism – especially in terms of health-conscious travel and slow luxury?
“Hungary has changed a lot. From an international perspective, it’s now seen as a safe and increasingly clean destination – something very important nowadays.” He believes Budapest will soon return to the international tourism map, but urges that attention also turn beyond the capital:
“Hungary is beautiful, but the world doesn’t know it yet.”
He highlights that 80% of tourism still centers around Budapest, with the Balaton region receiving 18%, and the rest of the country just 2%. For him, the future of Hungarian tourism depends on strategic investment: modernizing tourism education and marketing the countryside more actively. “Budapest is fantastic, but it’s a one-time destination for many. Countryside experiences – like hiking, cycling, and spa retreats – encourage return visits and offer deeper, long-term value.”
Teresa of Ávila once said: „Treat your body so well that your soul wants to live in it.” This timeless wisdom quietly pulses through Le Primore’s every corner and experience. As Hackl puts it, „If you stay in Le Primore, you will bring home a very positive feeling.”
The article contains a product presentation.
Author: Révész Bogi
(Featured image: Le Primore Hotel & Spa)
